On April 17, 2026, Meghan Markle made a special appearance at the “Her Best Life” podcast retreat, which took place at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, marking the start of a three-day event aimed at empowering women. The Duchess of Sussex, aged 44, took centre stage during this private gathering, where participants received exclusive gift bags containing items from her lifestyle brand, As Ever, along with other curated products.
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Attendees left the retreat with a wealth of goodies valued at nearly £200, including floral sprinkles and a “Hold That Thought” leather bookmark from Markle’s As Ever line, which has gained significant popularity since its launch. Other items in the gift bag included a Quick Flick lip balm, a Hunter candle, a Love Tea gift box set, and Funday sweets, all presented alongside a baseball cap bearing the Her Best Life logo and a journal emblazoned with the message “Find Your Joy.”
Markle’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, debuted in 2025, offering a range of shelf-stable products such as baking mixes and teas. The brand has since diversified, adding wines, candles, and even bookmarks to its roster. Notably, Markle has expressed her desire not to be seen merely as an influencer but rather as an entrepreneur and female founder. In an interview last year, she stated, “I see myself as an entrepreneur and a female founder, and if the brand ends up influential, then that’s great.”
The event was slightly overshadowed by discussions surrounding the couple’s public image. During the Q&A portion of the retreat, which was moderated by podcast host Gemma O’Neill, Markle reflected on the challenges she has faced throughout her life in the spotlight. She mentioned that the scrutiny she has endured for over a decade since gaining fame through her relationship with Prince Harry has been truly taxing.
Markle addressed how external judgments are often rooted in projected insecurities from others. She indicated that her experiences as a mother to Prince Archie, aged six, and Princess Lilibet, aged four, have afforded her valuable lessons in patience and resilience, skills that are particularly useful given the unique nature of her and Harry’s public life.
The retreat comes as a significant highlight during Prince Harry and Markle’s four-day trip to Australia, which commenced on April 14. The couple’s itinerary featured a blend of philanthropic, business, and personal activities across various Australian cities, including Melbourne and Canberra. Prince Harry notably supported Markle from the sidelines during her appearance at the retreat.
The trip marks the couple’s return to Australia for the first time since their official royal tour in October 2018, which was their inaugural overseas journey as newlyweds. While their children did not accompany them on this trip, they were met with a warm welcome back at their home in Montecito, California, where a banner celebrating their return awaited them.
Markle’s open discussion at the retreat about “enduring” public attacks resonates with many attendees and those following her journey. She illuminated the emotional toll of international fame but also underscored the importance of self-awareness in countering negative narratives. As she stated, these experiences have profoundly shaped her perspective on life and motherhood.
Her participation in this event and the subsequent discussions around her lifestyle brand highlight Markle’s ongoing evolution toward establishing a distinctive voice in the realm of entrepreneurship and public engagement. The “Her Best Life” podcast retreat not only served as a platform for personal sharing but also reinforced her commitment to empowering women through her products and initiatives. As Markle continues on her journey, both as a public figure and a mother, her message of resilience and self-empowerment remains clear—she aims to inspire others to embrace their lives authentically.